Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Ray Alex Williams, a man who transitioned to living as a trans woman—and later de-transitioned. His story offers rare, firsthand insight into what happens when someone believes gender transition is the answer, only to discover it isn't. As more parents navigate complex conversations with their children around gender identity, this interview is a must-listen. Ray dives deep into how childhood influences, exposure to pornography, the allure of a new identity, and cultural pressures led him toward transition—and why faith ultimately led him back. What You'll Learn in This Episode * The emotional toll that transitioning takes. * How pornography and culture distort gender identity. * Why not every child needs immediate affirmation. * How silence from parents can send the wrong message. * The role of faith in finding identity and healing. About Our Guest Ray Alex Williams is a writer, speaker, and advocate who shares his personal journey of gender transition, de-transition, and spiritual transformation. With deep candor, Ray speaks about the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that influenced his identity—and how his return to faith helped him find peace. His story offers rare insight for parents, pastors, and professionals navigating today’s conversations around gender and truth. 👉 Learn more about Ray and read his writings at Ray Alex Williams | Substack [https://rayalexwilliams.com/]. 🎧 As Heard on PGK Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast. https://amzn.to/46IsRjD [https://amzn.to/46IsRjD] Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter: https://bit.ly/46G4Niw [https://bit.ly/46G4Niw] 💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today [https://bit.ly/3J6816d] Sponsors: * Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG * Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD * K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12 * Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order * Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange [https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange] * Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg [https://www.rula.com/drmeg/] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Tia Slightman to explore the "why" behind your child's behavior. Together, they provide simple, effective strategies for disciplining with love and respect—without power struggles or emotional explosions. You’ll learn how your own personality influences your discipline style, how to set firm boundaries, and how to stay calm even when your child isn’t. They also dive into the Behavior Needs Roadmap, helping you handle challenging behaviors with confidence. Plus, there's encouragement for single parents and those navigating trauma recovery with children. Whether you're parenting a strong-willed child or just tired of yelling, this episode offers hope—and real tools you can use today. Tia Slightman is a parenting strategist and creator of the Behavior Needs Roadmap. She helps parents decode their child’s behavior and discipline with empathy and consistency. Learn more at www.tiaslightman.com. [http://www.tiaslightman.com.] As Heard on PGK Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast. https://amzn.to/46IsRjD [https://amzn.to/46IsRjD] Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter: https://bit.ly/46G4Niw [https://bit.ly/46G4Niw] 💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today [https://bit.ly/3J6816d] Sponsors: * Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG * Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD * K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12 * Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order * Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange [https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange] * Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

From finding joy in small, everyday moments to leveraging technology as a tool for inspiration, this episode offers practical advice for overwhelmed parents and emphasizes how awe can be a protective emotional anchor in today’s chaotic world. Whether it's watching clouds, taking in art, or sharing a heartfelt show like Carl the Collector, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and renewed inspiration to reconnect with your child through the lens of wonder. About Our Guest: Deborah Farmer Kris Deborah Farmer Kris is a parenting journalist, education columnist, and child development expert with a deep passion for helping families rediscover joy and connection. She is a columnist for PBS KIDS for Parents and the founder of Parenthood365, where she offers practical resources to help parents navigate the beautiful (and messy) moments of everyday life. Deborah is also an educational consultant and frequent speaker on how to cultivate awe, resilience, and curiosity in children. Resources: Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive (Free Spirit Parenting™) – Paperback, May 27, 2025 👉 https://amzn.to/4ozm1EH [https://amzn.to/4ozm1EH] As Heard on PGK Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast. https://amzn.to/46IsRjD [https://amzn.to/46IsRjD] Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter: https://bit.ly/46G4Niw [https://bit.ly/46G4Niw] 💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today [https://bit.ly/3J6816d] From finding joy in small, everyday moments to leveraging technology as a tool for inspiration, this episode offers practical advice for overwhelmed parents and emphasizes how awe can be a protective emotional anchor in today’s chaotic world. Whether it's watching clouds, taking in art, or sharing a heartfelt show like Carl the Collector, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and renewed inspiration to reconnect with your child through the lens of wonder. Sponsors: * Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG * Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD * K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12 * Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order * Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange [https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange] * Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

In Part 2 of this live series, Meg returns with practical solutions for one of the biggest challenges facing today’s families: protecting kids from online porn and predators. If Part 1 opened your eyes to the harsh reality, Part 2 arms you with real tools, proven strategies, and powerful conversations that can help you take back control. Join Meg as she unpacks: * How predators target kids through popular apps and games * Why delaying internet access might be the best parenting move you make * The best parental control software (like BARK and Screen Strong) * The safest starter devices for kids (Gab Watch and beyond) * How to open conversations about sex, privacy, and online dangers with your child * How to monitor devices without breaking trust This episode is filled with hope, empowerment, and practical tactics you can start using today. Don't miss this vital continuation of the conversation every parent needs to hear. 👉 Want all the resources mentioned in today’s episode? Sign up here [https://meekerparenting.myflodesk.com/jswh6mwc23]to get the full guide. 💬 Need help applying this to your family? Book a coaching session [https://meekerparenting.com/coaching/]with Meg today. Sponsors: * Hungryroot  [https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=DRMEG&b=1211&utm_source=parenting-great-kids&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=veritone-podcast]– 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG * Fam Gabs [https://famgabs.com/] – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD * K12-powered Schools [http://k12.com/DRMEG] – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12 * Thrive Causemetics  [https://thrivecausemetics.com/products/brilliant-under-eye-brightener-duo-set?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=DRMEG]– Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order *  Listen to Aidee [https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange], “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange   * Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg [https://rula.com/drmeg] Tags: Pornography, Screens, Social Media, Online Safety, Parenting Styles, Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, Self Esteem, Child Development, Time Management See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with journalist and author Leland Vittert, who shares his compelling journey growing up on the autism spectrum. From enduring bullying to discovering his voice through writing, Leland opens up about the key role his father played in his development and how perseverance and unconditional support changed the trajectory of his life. Leland’s memoir, Born Lucky, chronicles his experience navigating the world with neurodiversity, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and the emotional highs and lows of childhood. This episode is a message of hope for parents raising neurodiverse children, reminding us that persistence, trust, and love truly matter. Key Themes: * The emotional and social challenges of growing up autistic * The long-term effects of bullying * Why early diagnosis and support matter * The powerful role of a present and engaged parent * Learning social skills and resilience in real life 📘 Learn more about Leland Vittert’s book Born Lucky: https://amzn.to/42Ae4X8 [https://amzn.to/42Ae4X8] Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 📢 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal for exclusive content, expert-led courses, and tools to help you parent with confidence. Sign up here [https://meekerparenting.com/when-curiosity-hurts-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-porn-part-2/] for the free webinar: Protecting Your Kids from Pornography, Part 2: What You Can Do. Sponsors: * Hungryroot  [https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=DRMEG&b=1211&utm_source=parenting-great-kids&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=veritone-podcast]– 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG * Fam Gabs [https://famgabs.com/] – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD * K12-powered Schools [http://k12.com/DRMEG] – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12 * Thrive Causemetics  [https://thrivecausemetics.com/products/brilliant-under-eye-brightener-duo-set?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=DRMEG]– Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order *  Listen to Aidee [https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange], “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange   * Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg [https://rula.com/drmeg] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].